QST Exhibits at the Youngsters’ Science Festival 2026 National Convention

On July 25 and 26, the National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology (QST) exhibited a booth at the Youngsters’ Science Festival 2026 National Convention, held at the Science Museum in Tokyo, to introduce NanoTerasu. The event was organized by the Japan Science Foundation.

Under the theme “Exploring the Wonders of Light: Make Your Own Color-Changing Stained Glass,” the QST booth offered a hands-on craft activity in which participants created stained-glass-style artwork using the properties of polarization and birefringence.

While enjoying the vivid changes in color displayed by their creations, participants learned about the fascinating properties of light. The activity provided an opportunity for visitors to deepen their interest in light and science, while also introducing NanoTerasu, a state-of-the-art synchrotron radiation facility, to people of all ages.

The Youngsters’ Science Festival National Convention is one of Japan’s largest annual hands-on science events. Numerous organizations from across the country participate, attracting many children and their families.

This year, the QST booth once again welcomed a large number of visitors. Approximately 600 people took part in the stained-glass craft activity over the two-day event, and the booth remained lively throughout both days.

Crafting Moments

Little Masterpieces

We also enjoyed a hands-on experience with spectroscopes.